Bayer Leverkusen go 35 matches unbeaten in Bundesliga: Key stats
Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen started the 2024-25 season on an winning note. Leverkusen beat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2 in matchweek one. Leverkusen, who went the entire league unbeaten in 2023-24, extended their defeatless run to 35 matches. They won 28 matches and drew six games last season. Alonso, who saw Leverkusen win the season-opening German Cup, saw his side score a 101st-minute winner versus Gladbach.
Leverkusen go 2-0 up in the 1st half
Nico Elvedi's loose pass saw Jeremie Frimpong get away. His ball was deflected into the path of Granit Xhaka, who scored from distance (12'). Leverkusen smashed the woodwork thereafter before Wirtz made it 2-0 (38'). Frimpong made a sound run before cutting the ball back. Jonas Omlin blocked Grimaldo's strike but Wirtz scored from the follow-up. Gladbach had a goal ruled out.
Gladbach offer fightback before Wirtz's penalty settles matter
Leverkusen started the 2nd half on a promising note but it was Gladbach who found an equalizer in the hour mark. Elvedi's header was saved but he nodded the ball in the second attempt. Tim Kleindienst equalized for Gladbach in the 85th minute. Stoger's side-footing for a fabulous pass saw Kleindienst score. However, Wirtz scored a penalty goal in 11th minute of injury time.
Wirtz becomes 5th Leverkusen player with this record
As per Opta, Wirtz is the 5th Leverkusen player after Christian Schreier, Ulf Kirsten, Bernd Schneider and Stefan Kießling, to score in two consecutive opening matches of a Bundesliga campaign. Wirtz now has 43 goals for the club in all competitions from 154 games. He has 27 goals in the Bundesliga. Last season, Wirtz managed 11 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga.
Xhaka scores from outside the box yet again
Xhaka has scored four Bundesliga goals from outside the box in 2024. In Europe's five big leagues, only Phil Foden of Manchester City scored more league goals from distance this year (5). Xhaka made his 52nd appearance for Leverkusen, scoring only his 5th goal. The Swiss international scored his 10th Bundesliga goal (six for Gladbach and four for Leverkusen).
16th goal for Elvedi in Gladbach colors
Elvedi has scored in each of the last 7 Bundesliga seasons. He has also scored four of his last five goals from dead-ball situations. Playing his 303rd match for Gladbach, Elvedi owns 16 goals across competitons. 14 of his goals have come in the Bundesliga.
100th club career goal for Kleindienst
Kleindienst, who scored 14 goals in all competitions for FC Heidenheim last season. opened his scoring for new club Gladbach. Notably, he scored 12 Bundesliga goals last season in 33 matches. Overall, he netted his 100th goal in club career.
Gladbach are now winless in 10 successive matches against Leverkusen
As per Opta, Gladbach are now winless in 10 successive matches against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. This was their 8th defeat. Two games have been drawn.
